When I was in high school I focused on the more athletic classes and clubs such as cross- country, track, and basketball. I was very interested in how to heal and enhance the performance of the human body, and I often wondered what my peers and I could do to return stronger and faster after an injury.

Despite my fascination with this process I never thought about becoming a physical therapist. I knew I wanted to be involved in the health field, but I didn’t know which branch to pursue. When I started college at BYU, I took a few general study classes and went to different colleges trying to find something that suited me. At one point, one of my friends told me I’d be a great physical therapist, and I decided to do some research on the subject. When I looked up the requirements, I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, these classes sound amazing!” I knew that this degree would be like no other experience I had — it wouldn’t be drudgery to attend class! I signed up for an exercise science degree in a pre physical therapy program that day and never looked back. I then went to graduate school at TWU in Houston. While in school, I had a face-to-face experience with a physical therapist when I hurt my back during a game of basketball. My therapist was an older woman with an incredible curve to her spine. She was so personable, funny, and understanding. She got me motivated in my recovery and excited to pursue my education and career. Seeing and experiencing how she interacted with me, I knew I could do the same for other people, and it solidified my resolve that I was on the right path.

I want to empower my patients to achieve their goals just like my therapist enabled me. Engaging in physical therapy is not passive. It takes commitment. The healing we provide isn’t just for the time being; it gives patients the tools they need to help themselves and to encourage family and friends to live a healthy lifestyle. It reminds me a little of Glinda the Good Witch when she tells Dorothy, “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” I want my patients to know they’ve always had the power in themselves, and with a little encouragement they can see it too. I started working for a few clinics once I graduated. One was a small clinic, but I wasn’t there very long, as it was to close soon. While I looked for a new job, a friend told me they met a woman who had an exceptional clinic and they thought I should apply, so I sent in a resume and soon was taken in for an interview. When I first met Kelly, she was a bundle of energy — bubbly, intelligent, and very organized. After getting to know her, seeing how friendly the other staff members were, and witnessing how smoothly the clinic ran, I knew I wanted to be hired. When I was offered the job I immediately took it, and I’ve been here ever since.

I’ve been with the clinic for 12 1/2 years, and I am the clinic coordinator for the Castle Hills location. The company focuses on quality patient care, and there is a family atmosphere here that I haven’t felt anywhere else. I don’t have any family here in Texas apart from my children, Emma and Noah, so everyone at Premier Rehab has become my work-family. I don’t feel far from home because I have so many loved ones here. Although most of my time is dedicated to my patients and my duties as clinic coordinator, I do enjoy free time. When I have chunks of time away, I like to travel. I’ve taken several archaeological tours in Mexico, where I had an up-close look at the Mayan ruins. I love, love, love exploring. I came alive while traveling through the jungle and climbing the ruins. It’s all so fascinating. My 20-year-old daughter Emma is currently studying archeology at BYU. In a way, I feel like I can grow with her while she’s learning about ancient cultures, and I can’t wait to take her and Noah to Mexico to explore the ruins together. –Lori Day

Working at Premier Rehab PT, and alongside Kelly McFarland Lawrence, has been amazing.